Bangkok

Built in 1782, the Grand Palace was the official home of the Thai king for over 150 years. The complex is packed with ornate buildings, gilded spires, and detailed murals — it’s easy to spend a few hours wandering. The highlight is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses Thailand’s most sacred Buddha statue. Arrive early to beat the crowds and heat, and dress respectfully: long trousers and covered shoulders are required, or you won’t get in.

Khaosan Road has long been the backpacker hub of Bangkok. By day, it’s a mix of cheap guesthouses, cafés, and travel agencies selling bus and tour tickets. At night, it turns into a street party, with music spilling out of bars, market stalls pushing everything from fried noodles to scorpions on sticks, and plenty of neon. It’s chaotic, noisy, and not everyone’s scene, but if you’re looking for nightlife or a budget base close to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, this is where many travellers start their journey through Thailand.

Damnoen Saduak is Thailand’s most famous floating market, about 80 km southwest of Bangkok. Vendors in wooden boats sell fruit, snacks, and noodles along the canal, while stalls on the banks push souvenirs and crafts. It’s lively, colourful, and very touristy, but it’s still a classic day trip. Most people go with an organised tour, though you can also catch a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal and hire a boat on arrival. Go early in the morning to avoid the thickest crowds and heat.

The Museum of Siam offers visitors an interactive journey through Thai history and identity. Exhibits use hands-on displays, games, and multimedia that show how Thailand and its people have evolved over time. It’s fun, engaging, and gives a fresh perspective on Thai culture.

Spend a magical two hours on a Chao Phraya dinner cruise, gliding along Bangkok’s main river as it winds through the city. Enjoy a buffet of Thai and international dishes while taking in the sparkling riverside scenery. Live Thai classical dance performances and music add a special touch, making it an unforgettable evening on the water with friends or loved ones.

Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur who helped revive Thailand’s silk industry in the 1950s and 60s. His home, a cluster of traditional teak houses moved from around the country and reassembled here, is now a museum filled with his collection of Asian art, antiques, and textiles. The guided tour is the only way to see inside, and it’s worth it for the stories about Thompson’s life and mysterious disappearance in 1967, which still hasn’t been solved. The garden café and small silk shop round out your visit.

In the middle of Bangkok’s busy streets, Lumphini Park is where locals come to breathe and move. Covering over 140 acres, it has lakes, shady paths, and open lawns, perfect for walking, paddling, or just watching the city go by. Early mornings and evenings are busiest, with people practising tai chi, jogging, or joining group aerobics, while monitor lizards and birds add a touch of wildlife. It’s a good spot to see a slower, local side of Bangkok.

Bangkok is the place everyone thinks of when it comes to street food, and Thai cuisine’s global fame proves it’s earned that reputation. Instead of just watching your meal being made, why not join a cooking class? You’ll learn how to balance Thai flavours and prepare your own dishes, then get to eat the results—fresh, hot, and exactly how you made them.

The National Museum Bangkok is the biggest museum in Southeast Asia and a great stop, alongside the Museum of Siam, if you want to understand Thai history and art. It’s spread across several buildings, showcasing everything from ancient sculptures and royal regalia to traditional costumes and ceramics. The collection can feel a bit overwhelming, so it’s worth focusing on the highlights—like the giant Buddha statues and the Bangkok-period royal artefacts. Guided tours are available if you want the backstory behind the displays, but wandering on your own gives a good sense of Thailand’s past at your own pace.

About 35 km southeast of Bangkok, the Ancient City is an open-air museum where Thailand’s most important historical sites have been recreated at a smaller scale. Spread over 200 acres, you can explore miniatures of temples, palaces, and monuments from every corner of the country at your own pace. Many visitors hire bicycles or electric carts to cover more ground, but strolling lets you linger on the intricate details and take plenty of photos. It’s a convenient day trip from Bangkok for anyone interested in Thai history and architecture without travelling too far.

Bangkok’s tallest skyscraper, the iconic 78-floor King Power MahaNakhon, is famous for its striking pixelated design dominating the skyline of the Thai capital. Its SkyWalk observation deck, sitting 1,030 feet above the city, offers some of the best panoramic views around—especially stunning at sunset, with a thrilling glass-floored platform for an extra rush.